Title: Sempre
Author: J.M. Darhower
Series: Forever Series, book #1
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: February 25, 2014
Source: received from publisher via Edelweiss
Purchase: Amazon |
Barnes & Noble
A sexy novel about two seventeen-year-olds—one a victim of human trafficking; the other the son of the man who enslaved her—who fall in love and question everything they ever believed…
Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco grew up under vastly different circumstances. Haven, a second-generation slave, was isolated in the middle of the desert, her days full of hard work and terrifying abuse. Carmine, born into a wealthy Mafia family, lived a life of privilege and excess.
Now, a twist of fate causes their worlds to collide. Entangled in a web of secrets and lies, they learn that while different on the surface, they have more in common than anyone would think.
In a world full of chaos, where money and power rule, Haven and Carmine yearn to break free, but a string of events that began before either of them were born threatens to destroy them instead. Murder and betrayal are a way of life, and nothing comes without a price—especially not freedom. But how much will they have to sacrifice? Can they escape their pasts? And, most of all, what does it mean to be free?
Wow. If
Sara's love for this novel hadn't come through loud and clear in her
review, I might not have ever given this book a chance, and that's a shame. But I did read it, and I kinda sorta loved it. And I trust Sara's judgment, but that still comes as a surprise to me because this book is
really out of my comfort zone. Sure, I like books featuring crime and the mob in one fashion or another, like the Curse Workers series by Holly Black, but with the human-trafficking aspect and all the violence, this book seemed too real and not at all like something I'd typically enjoy.
Boy, was I wrong. Because one of the things I like to read about best is a morally ambiguous character, and
Sempre is chock-full of them. The characters in this book are malicious, vindictive and all around horrible human beings. Most of them, anyway. And yet...and yet, I couldn't make myself hate them. Not all of them, anyway. The point I'm trying to make is that no matter how much I wanted to be disgusted with their actions, with their behavior, wanted to judge them as reprehensible and be done with them, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Because deep down, I wanted to believe that they had it in their hearts to do the right thing, when it all came down to it. Most especially Dr. DeMarco.
The writing in this story was realistic. It felt
legitimate, not that I'd really know what legitimate was when it came to a mafia family, but it read as genuine. Less like the BS you'd find in a crime drama on TV and more like the dialogue you'd see between family members who care about each other but never really quite understand one another and their position. Without all the gun-toting and violence, this could be a typical family, still grieving over the loss of their matriarch, years after her death.
I read this book several weeks ago, but it has really stuck with me. Aside from the issue of human slavery, I think the romance was the focal point, but it was handled in a way that didn't overshadow the other issues at large. When you meet Carmine, he's
a bit of a prick. But love can change people, and that's just what happens when he allows himself to know Haven. Haven, due in part to the life she's lived up to this point, is unbelievably naïve, but Carmine sort of takes her under his wing, as does his older brother Dom. They can't save her from her past, but the DeMarcos just might ensure she has a future.
I wouldn't exactly call this novel a foray into new adult because the main characters are still high school age, but there are definitely situations that are not suitable for a younger audience. There is a lot of language that some might find offensive (I'm not one of them), there are sexual encounters, there is an unbelievable amount of violence (some that leads to death), but worst of all is the human trafficking. I think that subject was explored at length and in-depth, and though it's not something that anyone will ever be comfortable with, I applaud the author for being so open and honest about it and the repercussions, the fact that slavery is still a very
real issue today, decades and decades after it was officially abolished.
This novel started out as a self-published piece, which was later picked up by Gallery Books for distribution, but you'd never know it. It doesn't suffer from a lack of editing. It doesn't suffer from over-used tropes or poor characterization.
Sempre is just a beautifully sad story of expectations, longing, and loss, infused with gorgeous Italian phrases, and heartbreakingly told through the eyes of several of the characters. If you enjoy stories that open your eyes to the horrors of the world, or if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone in order to experience one that will, I highly recommend this novel.
GIF it to me straight:
About the author:
JM Darhower is the author of the New Adult Sempre series (Sempre & Sempre: Redemption), andthe paranormal romance novella, Extinguish. She lives in a tiny town in the Carolinas with her family, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and human rights, and when she isn’t writing she’s usually ranting about those things. Chronic crimper with a vulgar mouth, she admits to having a Twitter addiction. You can find her there.
Find Jessica:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Tumblr
Friday, August 18, 2017
Sensual and Mysterious: THE HUMMINGBIRD HEART by A.G. Howard
Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Haunted Hearts Legacy, book #2
Publisher: self-published
Publication Date: August 15, 2017
Source: ARC received from author
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
This novel was, simply put, gorgeous. I loved Howard's Splintered series, but there's no doubt in my mind that I love this series best. I think it's just how sensual and mysterious each ghost story is -- or has been thus far -- coupled with the historical setting. I can't get enough of her atmospheric words.
Howard's characters are always so multi-faceted, and Willow and Julian are no exception. By all appearances, Willow is a tough, no-guts-no-glory kind of tomboy, but as the story progresses, you get to see her more vulnerable side, the one she doesn't want anyone to see. And Julian is the straight-laced, analytical type, but he comes out of his shell more than a little throughout the story. But when they come together...they are completely different people with each other. Their chemistry would blow up a lab if left unchecked. But they are also very caring, attentive, loyal and protective with each other, and I loved reading as they learned how to love each other together.
But it's not just the main characters I found so appealing because Anita's characters all have these layers and dimensions to them that you discover as you're reading. I love how the author weaves such diverse characters and situations and how seamlessly she does so. She doesn't just mention them and then brush them aside; that diversity is essential to the story. These characters facing adversity and trying to right the wrongs of the past gives me life. Howard doesn't gloss over Newt's muteness or the rumors of a fellow passenger being part of the Italian mafia simply because he is rich and has a harem of gorgeous women in his entourage. It was the same in the last book and I am on board for more of this.
My only real complaint with The Architect of Song, the previous book in this series, was that I wanted more from the ending. And I got that with this sequel. More from the previous couple AND more from the featured couple and their story, and it was everything I'd hoped for them. I adore how these stories are already connected and what that might mean for future books in this series, and I can't wait to read more!
Monday, August 15, 2016
A Deaf Girl, a Ghost, and a Liar Walk Into a Bar...
Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Haunted Hearts Legacy, book #1
Publisher: Golden Orb Press
Publication Date: August 15, 2016
Source: ARC received from author
Purchase: Amazon
I was offered a review copy of The Architect of Song and being a hard-core fan of A.G. Howard's Splintered series, I couldn't say yes fast enough. This is her first "new adult" novel and it's historical fiction with ghosts and baronets and an orphaned protagonist and it's very reminiscent of Crimson Peak, which I just recently watched this week, and I'm kind of in love with it.
I finished reading this novel with the biggest sense of satisfaction I've had from completing a novel in awhile. It is most definitely my new favorite novel from A.G. Howard because it feels more like her own writing than even the Splintered series did, and I've enjoyed following the tour and reading why she decided to self-publish this novel.
The Architect of Song wasn't perfect, but it was pretty damn close for my tastes. I adored the ending but I could have used more exposition, namely a conversation between the MC and the Lord of the manor so I could see all of the awkward as they finally, FINALLY came completely clean about everything. I don't like that this reconciliation of sorts happened mostly off the page. But I always want more at the end, especially more time with the characters, so I don't even really know if that can be considered a complaint. But if it is, it's really my only one.
I loved how Juliet's affliction was handled. Because in the time period this story was based, she would have been abhorred for her lack of hearing, and yet the author found a way to make her deafness a strength...and for Juliet to keep the fact of her deafness a relative secret. I felt that this ailment was presented in a manner that was accurate for the time period, even if that level of lip reading is a bit implausible.
At the heart of this story is grief and loss and yes, love. I expected this novel to be like all of the "new adult" novels that have come before it, but it's mostly just sensual in nature. But I still found it hot and very swoony. Being historical fiction, too, meant that the protagonist's virtue and reputation were at stake, and I liked how that aspect was handled, as well, especially as there was a love triangle involved. (I'm kind of gaga for Howard's love triangles.) I can see why publishers might have had a hard time classifying this novel. The age of the heroine leans more heavily toward new adult, but the romance is not overtly sexual, as most new adult novels are. And it's not strictly a romance either because there is a serious mystery to be solved and a ghost not at rest and gender roles to preserve and well, just loads more than a simple romance.
I loved the romantic aspects but I might have loved the mystery of the ghost more. There were so many things playing into it: that strange flower, Lord Thornton, the gypsy woman. I had heaps of theories and couldn't wait for the identity of Hawk to come to light. The way it all unraveled was just perfect...and not just because that had been my initial theory. ;0) Howard really knows how to keep you guessing while also using the most gorgeous prose to get you the answers you seek.
Here's the thing I don't get, though: this story very much gave me Rosamund Hodge vibes. It was dark and mysterious and clever, and I loved it every bit as much as I love Hodge's novels. It's very similar in tone and writing style, which leaves me wondering why this story was so hard for publishers to classify when that doesn't appear to be the case for Hodge's books. I understand that the publishing industry is a fickle one, but it's enough to make an author give up entirely. But I'm so glad this author decided to self-publish so that legions of her fans will still get a chance to read it. I don't care if it's hard to classify; this is the type of story I most love to read: convoluted and twisty and not falling into any one niche.
I really did love this one:
Friday, March 28, 2014
Review: See Me by Wendy Higgins
Author: Wendy Higgins
Series: n/a
Publisher: indie/self-published
Publication Date: March 17, 2014
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
If you enjoy Higgins' Sweet Trilogy at all, I think you'll have fun with this book, though it is a departure from the author's previous subject matter. This time around, we're dealing with magic; an arranged marriage -- to a Leprechaun, no less; and powerful fae in beautiful Ireland.
I think this story might have been a bit more fun had Robyn's intended actually been a typical Leprechaun, but then the romance might have taken a nosedive, and as it was, McKale wasn't winning me over at the start. Truth be told, he was a tad boring and standoffish and maybe a little bit ostracized because of his unwieldy height, thanks to his people's preconceived notions of what normal was. However, Robyn's acceptance of his larger than normal stature won him and the Leprechauns over.
This story is cute and funny and absolutely fluffy, even when it tries to hit on a deeper subject. (That one story arc was completely over the top and absolutely unnecessary.) But it also makes fun of itself and the situation: "Do me a favor," she said to Rock. "Say 'They're always trying to steal me Lucky Charms.'" Also, I swore there was a Twilight dig in there, whether unintentional or not, and those are always a treat. =)
But if you're a hardcore feminist, you'll probably want to steer clear. That whole "arranged marriage" thing should have been a dead giveaway, but the Little People are living the way that have been for hundreds of years: the men toil away in the shoe house -- where it's considered bad luck for a woman to step -- making fancy shoes for the fae, and the women do all of the cooking and cleaning. The women aren't necessarily subservient to the Chaun men, but they have their place in the village, and it's definitely not out on the field playing ball with the men.
The world-building is a little sparse, and even venturing into Faerie didn't provide much detail. And then there's the Clourichaun, who I've never heard of before. There's a little backstory on them, but I'd have liked to have known more, especially with the importance one of them had to the story. I did, however, like the importance place on family and duty in this story. And I liked the Irish lore that was explored in this novel. The progression of the romance was probably my favorite aspect, though. Robyn was stubborn and McKale was shy. And once they did start to fall for each other, the faerie princess Khalistah proved vengeful.
All in all, See Me was a fun read, one that I'd been looking forward to since I'd first heard that the author was planning to self-publish it. The story wasn't as deep as I had hoped for, but what it lacked in depth, it made up for in heart. This was a great palate-cleanser, and it's made me even more eager to get to Sweet Reckoning.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
{Mini} Reviews: Solving for Ex by Leigh Ann Kopans & Where You'll Find Me by Erin Fletcher
Author: Leigh Ann Kopans
Series: n/a
Publisher: indie/self-published
Publication Date: February 11, 2014
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I love best friends romances. But for a long time, I wasn't sure that's where this story was headed. And that was okay. Until it wasn't. I'm being intentionally vague, but there's just so much miscommunication and avoidance and underhandedness among the characters in this story that I just couldn't appreciate it for the cute little romance it endeavored to be.
Solving for Ex has its moments. Those nerdy math jokes were really cute. And both Brendan and Ashley were adorably clueless. But bad decision-making and stereotypical behavior made the rest of the story sort of tedious. Beyond that, it was easy to guess the plot twist that shifted everything for the characters.
While this book wasn't quite what I was expecting, I still had fun reading it and enjoyed myself enough that I still want to pick up the author's other series. I'm sure many readers will find this book absolutely adorable, but I'm looking for just a bit more from my contemporary reads.
Author: Erin Fletcher
Series: n/a
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Where You'll Find Me does not attempt to be humorous or provide comic relief. But it does try a little too hard to be so terribly tragic. The two main characters are hiding their horrible pasts from each other and refuse to face their own pasts, each choosing their own manner of running away from their problems. But I didn't find either of their pasts all that terrible. Sure, their families' reactions to those events is kind of horrible but nothing a little grief counseling couldn't mend.
Everyone thinks their own personal tragedy is the worst. And some people might be right. So, I won't pass judgment on how unspeakable Hanley and Nate's tragedies are or even deign to compare the two. But I do think that the whole "guy living in your garage" aspect is a little hard to swallow, if not implausible. And trusting the guy living in your garage and aiding his refuge in your garage is even more improbable. Hanley questions his motives and how dangerous Nate is for all of about five minutes before agreeing to his cockamamie plan.
Le sigh. Teenagers don't always make the best decisions, though. In fact, I probably know a few who might be as easily coerced as Hanley. Especially if a hot guy was doing the asking. So, I guess I can overlook that point for now. Aside from that, I found the characters intriguing and I wanted to see how this whole scenario played out. And I have to admit, I was pulling for these kids to get their act together, even with parents who were so unable to see the whole picture.
This book is sad, but it has some uplifting moments, as well. I liked it. I could see myself reading more from this author. She made me feel for these characters even when I thought they were behaving stupidly. And there's something to that.
It's been a little while since I read both of these books, but I do remember enjoying Where You'll Find Me just a bit more than Solving for Ex, despite giving them both the same rating. WYFM is just a bit grittier, a little meatier than SFE.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Review: Sempre by J.M. Darhower
Author: J.M. Darhower
Series: Forever Series, book #1
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: February 25, 2014
Source: received from publisher via Edelweiss
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Wow. If Sara's love for this novel hadn't come through loud and clear in her review, I might not have ever given this book a chance, and that's a shame. But I did read it, and I kinda sorta loved it. And I trust Sara's judgment, but that still comes as a surprise to me because this book is really out of my comfort zone. Sure, I like books featuring crime and the mob in one fashion or another, like the Curse Workers series by Holly Black, but with the human-trafficking aspect and all the violence, this book seemed too real and not at all like something I'd typically enjoy.
Boy, was I wrong. Because one of the things I like to read about best is a morally ambiguous character, and Sempre is chock-full of them. The characters in this book are malicious, vindictive and all around horrible human beings. Most of them, anyway. And yet...and yet, I couldn't make myself hate them. Not all of them, anyway. The point I'm trying to make is that no matter how much I wanted to be disgusted with their actions, with their behavior, wanted to judge them as reprehensible and be done with them, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Because deep down, I wanted to believe that they had it in their hearts to do the right thing, when it all came down to it. Most especially Dr. DeMarco.
The writing in this story was realistic. It felt legitimate, not that I'd really know what legitimate was when it came to a mafia family, but it read as genuine. Less like the BS you'd find in a crime drama on TV and more like the dialogue you'd see between family members who care about each other but never really quite understand one another and their position. Without all the gun-toting and violence, this could be a typical family, still grieving over the loss of their matriarch, years after her death.
I read this book several weeks ago, but it has really stuck with me. Aside from the issue of human slavery, I think the romance was the focal point, but it was handled in a way that didn't overshadow the other issues at large. When you meet Carmine, he's
a bit ofa prick. But love can change people, and that's just what happens when he allows himself to know Haven. Haven, due in part to the life she's lived up to this point, is unbelievably naïve, but Carmine sort of takes her under his wing, as does his older brother Dom. They can't save her from her past, but the DeMarcos just might ensure she has a future.I wouldn't exactly call this novel a foray into new adult because the main characters are still high school age, but there are definitely situations that are not suitable for a younger audience. There is a lot of language that some might find offensive (I'm not one of them), there are sexual encounters, there is an unbelievable amount of violence (some that leads to death), but worst of all is the human trafficking. I think that subject was explored at length and in-depth, and though it's not something that anyone will ever be comfortable with, I applaud the author for being so open and honest about it and the repercussions, the fact that slavery is still a very real issue today, decades and decades after it was officially abolished.
This novel started out as a self-published piece, which was later picked up by Gallery Books for distribution, but you'd never know it. It doesn't suffer from a lack of editing. It doesn't suffer from over-used tropes or poor characterization. Sempre is just a beautifully sad story of expectations, longing, and loss, infused with gorgeous Italian phrases, and heartbreakingly told through the eyes of several of the characters. If you enjoy stories that open your eyes to the horrors of the world, or if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone in order to experience one that will, I highly recommend this novel.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Review: Unbound by Georgia Bell
Author: Georgia Bell
Series: All Good Things, book #1
Publisher: self-published/indie
Publication Date: November 2, 2013
Source: free via Amazon Prime/Kindle Lending Library
Purchase: Amazon
I think I was pitched this book, either through a Goodreads friend request or email or something, but I'm being lazy and don't feel like looking it up. Either way, I didn't acknowledge the request because that summary wasn't the best and I already had enough on my plate. But I saw an excerpt on another blog that caught my attention, and so I thought I'd give it a go anyway. I noticed that the book was available in the Kindle Lending Library for Amazon Prime members, so rather than requesting from the author after however long it had been, I went ahead and borrowed it. Also, if I'm being honest, it's easier for me to honestly review a book -- no holds barred -- when I didn't receive it directly from the author.
Fair or not, I instinctually picture another sparkly immortal whenever mention is made of a really old young guy who falls for a girl who's pretty much shut herself away from the world. Eaden does tend to lurk and follows Rachel around for the first quarter of the novel, but it's not so bad as all that in this story. Though it still kind of squicks me out to think of a guy with all of this worldly experience and hundreds of years under his belt falling for -- and potentially bedding -- a virgin girl who can't possibly fathom what she's just gotten herself into. The romance suffers from a severe case of insta-love, at least on Rachel's side; he's been watching her since she was in the womb. There's a reason for that, and when it all comes out, it's less creepy than it sounds, but until I figured out what was going on, I still found it all a little squicky.
Honestly, when I started this one, I thought it was going to focus on angels, but that is far from what Eaden actually is. He may have acted as Rachel's guardian angel more than once, but that's because he has a vested interest in her well-being. Of course, she doesn't discover exactly why until a ways down the road, and even then, she easily forgives him his well-intentioned deception. Rachel's character is kind of par for the course for a paranormal romance, but she didn't irritate me entirely like others have in the past. Through constant encouragement from Eaden, she grows some lady balls and actually starts to live a little. Because of that, I can overlook some of her other transgressions.
I was actually a little impressed with the writing, though the book could have used another round of editing. (There was nothing major that impeded my comprehension of the story, but there were just some general errors that needed tidying up.) Still, considering the supposed subject matter and the insta-love, this book surprised me. As did the decidedly unexpected turn the second half of the book took. One second I was reading a paranormal romance focused on an immortal record keeper, and the next, they're gallivanting off to Scotland, meeting up with witches and a secret council, and suddenly all of history has been rewritten. Honestly, it almost felt like I was reading a different book for the second half of Unbound.
I was definitely entertained by this book, if not always for the right reasons. I liked the theme of sacrifice that ran throughout the novel and how it was incorporated into the ending and especially the fact that it wasn't the lovelorn immortal who had to pay the ultimate price, as per usual. And although this is the first book in a planned series, I'm iffy as to whether I'll continue it simply because I like the way things were tied up at the end of this first book and I already have enough series to keep track of. But who's to say I won't see another excerpt from the sequel that convinces me yet again that I need to read it?
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
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